https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/ en https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/few-good-fellows A Few Good Fellowselaine.chan Wed, 05/20/2026 - 11:26 Feature Mihini Jayasinghe is not an attorney, but she is supporting the development and implementation of a self-service chatbot that will help litigants without attorneys better navigate the court process. Jayasinghe is a Judicial Fellow at the Orange Superior Court, where her fellowship project goals are to streamline the self-help staff workload, shorten in-person wait times, and expand access to procedural guidance for self-represented litigants. Jayasinghe’s experience on this project is just one example of how the statewide Judicial Fellowship Program is making a difference and improving access to justice in California. What is the Judicial Fellowship Program?  The Judicial Fellowship is a 10-month graduate-level program that offers participants a unique opportunity to work in court administration and learn about California’s judicial branch. It is part of the nationally recognized Capital Fellows Programs, which also has fellowships in the other branches of state government. Participants are placed in either Judicial Council staff offices or executive offices at superior courts around the state. Upon completion of the program, participants receive a graduate certificate in Applied Policy and Government through Sacramento State. Unique Post-Graduate Opportunity Interest in the Judicial Fellowship Program has grown dramatically. The first Judicial Fellowship cohort (1997-98) had five fellows, then expanded to ten soon after. Over the past two application cycles, there has been a near 100% year-over-year increase in applications, making the program highly attractive to potential participants. The increased interest in the program could be tied to its unique subject matter and work experience compared to other entry-level positions. “There is a real specialty in serving as a Judicial Fellow because of the work experience exposure combined with the educational component,” according to Megan Thorall, the director of the program. “As far as I know, we’re the only program of our kind in the nation.” Sidney Sheets, a fellow with the Judicial Council’s Office of Governmental Affairs, described her surprise at the breadth of exposure and variety of work she’s done. “I’ve just learned so much about the legislative process, how it impacts the courts and the public,” said Sheets. “I really feel like I’ve gotten a bird’s eye view and a foundational understanding of California government as a whole.” Program Support One feature that sets the program apart is its strong support network. Participants have a program director and a mentor in their placement office providing support throughout the year. Giovana De Loia, a fellow with the Placer Superior Court, describes the mentorship as her favorite component. “I meet with [court executive officer] Jake [Chatters] every week and I probably talk to him every single day about whatever I'm doing,” said De Loia. “He's always there for any questions that I have. And with Megan, the program director, it's kind of like having two mentors who are also your bosses, which is not typical for a regular entry-level job.” Jayasinghe appreciates the guidance and welcome she’s received from the Orange Superior Court. “From the very beginning, I have just received an unbelievable amount of support from everyone within the court,” said Jayasinghe. “All the different departments and the different teams that I work with are just incredibly friendly and supportive, and really willing to show me the ropes and share their knowledge,” she said. Academic and Field Seminars A key aspect of the program is the academic seminar, where fellows learn about the history and fundamentals of court administration and contemporary issues facing the judiciary. "The academic seminar material often ties into what’s happening at the courthouse,” said De Loia. “It’s nice to see the theoretical turning into the practical.” The seminar is taught by the programs academic advisor, Court Executive Officer Sharif Elmallah. In addition to the academic component, fellows participate in monthly field seminars where they visit different superior courts across the state and learn about various programs and policy areas. Recent field seminars included a visit to the Butte Superior Court to learn about juvenile justice and a visit to the Orange Superior Court to learn about technological innovations being developed there. The seminars allow fellows to understand issues affecting the branch from multiple perspectives. “There’s something really satisfying about getting to see things in your placement, reading about them in class, and then hearing about them in the field seminar,” said Hailee Pitschke, a fellow placed with the Los Angeles Superior Court. Fellowship Projects Improve Access to Justice The fellowship culminates in a fellowship project that participants spend much of the year developing. During the field seminar to the Butte Superior Court, fellows heard about a number of different fellowship projects completed in recent years, including procuring and installing a jury check-in kiosk, and fully producing a self-help video guide for the public. These tangible improvements fellows have created, installed, or implemented continue to help serve the public as lasting proof of their work towards improving access to justice. Beyond the work product fellows leave behind, Program Director Thorall notes that fellows leave other benefits too, with each class leaving a real impression on the mentors and the court. “They're all very special each in their own way, and I think that you need that in a professional space,” she said. “It’s such a privilege to have the fellows because [they] really give a lot of joy and a lot of ideas.” “The camaraderie amongst all of the Judicial Fellows is something that really stands out to me,” said Jayasinghe. “It’s incredible to be in the same space as like-minded individuals who are incredibly passionate about public service. I don't think there's ever a dull moment in the academic and field seminar because of the fellows. It's something that I'm very grateful for and I will never forget about this experience.” Career Possibilities The program has also influenced what fellows hope to pursue in the future. Just like many former fellows have stayed in the judicial branch or in public service, several current fellows also expressed a desire to remain in the branch beyond their fellowship and continue working to improve access to justice for the public. Christian Mendoza, placed in the Judicial Council’s Policy and Research office, shared how the experience has shaped his goals. “It solidified my passion for really wanting to stay in public service,” said Mendoza. “I always wanted to be able to give back to my community and uplift individuals that have grown up in similar circumstances to me or my family. The branch's message of providing equal access to justice is something that resonates deeply within me and I can see that I'm making some sort of impact.” https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/california-chief-justice-help-dedicate-new-courthouse-santa-rosa California Chief Justice to Help Dedicate New Courthouse in Santa RosaCorren, Blaine Tue, 05/19/2026 - 12:40 News Release What:  California Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero will join local judges and staff to officially commemorate the completion of the new Hall of Justice in Santa Rosa. The court expects to officially open the new courthouse for business this summer. Who:  The ceremony will include remarks by Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero, Presiding Judge Christopher Honigsberg, Judge Shelley Averill, Retired Judge Gary Nadler, Court Executive Officer Robert Oliver, and Judicial Council Administrative Director Shelley Curran When:  Friday, May 29, 2026, 1:00-3:00pm (includes ceremony, followed by refreshments and courthouse tours) Where:  New Hall of Justice for Sonoma County, Jury Assembly Room, 625 Administration Drive, Santa Rosa NOTE: The ceremony is open for the public and media to attend—email jwilcox@sonomacourt.org to RSVP. Why:  The construction project will provide a new 6-story, 15-courtroom courthouse of approximately 170,000 square feet in the city of Santa Rosa. This new facility will replace the existing court-occupied space in the Sonoma County Hall of Justice and in the attached jail or Main Adult Detention Facility (MADF) at the county administrative complex. The new building includes features and services the court was previously unable to provide due to space restrictions, such as appropriately sized jury assembly and deliberation rooms, courtroom and clerk's office, and other public waiting areas, attorney interview/witness waiting rooms, children's waiting room, area for security entrance screening (for all court users), and in-custody holding facilities. Architect:  STUDIOpractice ArchitectsConstruction Management Agency:  AECOMConstruction Manager at Risk:  Rudolph & Sletten, Inc. Since the state judicial branch took over responsibility for courthouses in 2002, the judicial branch construction program has completed 39 new courthouse projects and another 14 projects are underway and in various stages. For more information, visit the California court’s website at courts.ca.gov/facilities/sonoma-county-new-hall-justice. https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/california-courts-celebrate-jurors-0 California Courts Celebrate Jurorsnatalie.l.ston… Mon, 05/18/2026 - 11:47 Feature In 1998, the California Legislature designated the second full week in May as Juror Appreciation Week to honor the sacrifices and contributions of citizens who uphold the right of trial by jury and to raise awareness about their contribution to the court system. "During Jury Appreciation Week, we honor the unsung heroes of our justice system," said Orange County Presiding Judge Sheila F. Hanson. "This week is an important opportunity to reflect and recognize, with deep gratitude, the invaluable contributions that each juror has made to our judicial system. We express our gratitude for the pivotal role that jurors play in the democracy of our country--jury service is the bedrock of our justice system."  During Juror Appreciation Week, many courts make an extra effort to recognize those fulfilling their jury service. These are a few examples: Napa Superior Court is celebrating the entire month and providing cookies for all jurors at the beginning of each week in May. They’re also providing lunch one day per week for each sworn jury.  Orange Superior Court had court staff greet jurors with tokens of appreciation for their time, commitment, and support.  Placer Superior Court held a special event that brought together judicial officers, appellate justices, court staff, attorneys, and former jurors.  Sacramento Superior Court provided popcorn, water, and other goodies. Posters created by local high school students were displayed digitally.  San Bernardino Superior Court provided prospective jurors with certificates of appreciation, light refreshments, and word games.  San Francisco Superior Court acknowledged the work of the outgoing 2025-26 Civil Grand Jury with snacks, drinks, and goodies.  Santa Clara Superior Court encouraged the public to join in their celebration of jurors by writing handwritten notes, through social media messages, or by offering a simple expression of thanks.  Tulare Superior Court gave out swag bags to jurors, including pens, notepads, and pins with designs that thank jurors. Making the Jury System Better for Jurors In addition to Juror Appreciation Week, the California courts show their appreciation for jurors all year round. Learn more about recent statewide initiatives to improve jury service in California. https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/data-shows-success-yolo-superior-courts-pretrial-services-program Data Shows Success of Yolo Superior Court’s Pretrial Services ProgramCorren, Blaine Tue, 05/12/2026 - 15:00 Feature In Yolo County: More than 95% of monitored individuals appeared for their arraignment hearing   More than 90% of monitored individuals appeared at a subsequent court hearing   Less than 3% of monitored individuals committed a new offense, while less than 1% committed a new violent offense A newly released statewide report on pretrial services programs highlights the success that Yolo County is having in ensuring arrested individuals released before trial avoid rearrest and appear for their court proceedings. Pretrial services programs aim to increase the safe and efficient release of arrested individuals before trial, using the least restrictive monitoring practices possible while still protecting public safety and ensuring court appearances. Yolo Court Collects Additional Data on Pretrial Services Program OutcomesReleased in April, the statewide report representing California’s 58 superior courts includes data on arrest bookings, types of pretrial release, assessments conducted, and the use of monitoring and supportive services. But the Yolo Superior Court collected additional program data on their arrested individuals released before trial, including if they failed to appear for their arraignments or at subsequent court hearings. The court also tracked if arrested individuals released before trial committed a new offense, and if so, if it was a violent offense. Image In the Yolo court from July 2024 through June 2025: More than 95% of monitored individuals appeared for their arraignment hearing   More than 90% of monitored individuals appeared at a subsequent court hearing   Less than 3% of monitored individuals committed a new offense, while less than 1% percent committed a new violent offense Yolo Court Works Closely with County PartnersThe Yolo court credits much of its success in decreasing failure to appear and rearrest rates to effective collaboration with its county justice partners. For example, probation provides services such as mental health referrals and performance tracking. “We met regularly with pretrial partners to address operational needs and refine procedures during development and early implementation of the program,” said Rocio Richter, a Senior Court Analyst with the Yolo Superior Court. “Now that the program is well established, we no longer hold standing meetings, but communication remains open and ongoing. We connect as needed, particularly when there are upcoming program changes, questions or concerns that arise.” Court Uses Technology to Stay Connected with Monitored Individuals Another key element to the Yolo court’s success includes upgraded audio/visual and videoconfencing systems. The court installed three cameras in each courtroom (for the judge, witness, and counsel tables/lecterns) and a system that supports three camera views and presentation based on active microphones and streaming capabilities “By upgrading the AV systems, the court improved user participation in hybrid courtroom proceedings whether appearing in person or remotely,” adds Richter. “Regardless of the location, parties on a case can see and be seen by all others involved, present evidence, and see evidence presented by others.  The upgrade resulted in increased access and reduced interruptions.” In addition to the success of the Yolo court's program, the report also highlighted best practices from other courts' pretrial programs. The court also implemented a text notification system to help reduce failures to appear. Monitored individuals have the option to receive text notifications of court dates, continuances, or cancellations through smartphone devices.  As part of the pretrial services program, county probation helps them register for text notifications as part of their release. Judicial Council Support for Pretrial Services ProgramsIn addition to statewide reporting, the Judicial Council supports courts’ pretrial services programs through disbursement and oversight of state funding; pretrial education and training for the courts and justice partners; and ongoing communication and program guidance, technical assistance, and site visits. https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/right-be-judged-your-peers-made-possible-jurors-0 Right to be Judged by Your Peers Made Possible by Jurors natalie.l.ston… Mon, 05/11/2026 - 10:50 Feature This year, the United States is celebrating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Outlined in the Declaration of Independence and later guaranteed as a right in the Constitution, jury service stands as one of the cornerstones of the American judicial system.  "Jury service is more than a civic duty—it is a privilege and a responsibility that ensures fairness and equality under the law," says Chief Justice of California Patricia Guerrero. "When you serve as a juror, you uphold the promise that justice is not decided by government alone, but by the people." Juror Appreciation Week In 1998, the California Legislature designated the second full week in May to honor the contributions of citizens who devote their time and effort to "making the cherished right of trial by jury a reality and to raise awareness about their contributions to the courts." The Judicial Council of California and the state’s trial courts use Juror Appreciation Week to recognize the sacrifice people make in taking time away from their lives, families, and jobs to fulfill one of the most important duties in our democracy: serving as a juror in a court of law. Every year in California:  Over 10 million people are summoned for jury service, or 1 in 4 people statewide  More than 4.5 million people complete jury service, either in-person, on call, or on standby Approximately 100,000 people are sworn in as trial jurors  More than 70% of prospective jurors who arrive in person complete their service in one day  Making the Jury System Better for Jurors  In addition to Juror Appreciation Week, the California courts show their appreciation for jurors all year round. The following are some recent statewide initiatives to improve jury service in California: Gender Inclusive Language: The Judicial Council adopted a new standard of judicial administration to ensure gender inclusivity. Following the directive of Assembly Bill 1899, the new standard will use gender-neutral language in juror communications and materials, such as using the phrase "a person's jury service obligation" instead of "his or her jury service obligation."   Juror Mental Health and Wellness: The Judicial Council released a new webpage focusing on juror mental health and wellness. After jury service, some people may feel anxiety or increased stress. The webpage highlights symptoms that may arise, offers coping techniques, and offers additional resources to receive mental health support.    Jury Data Report: Every fiscal year, the Jury Data Report includes data from trial courts, used to improve jury operations statewide. Some of the metrics the report tracks are the number of people summoned for jury service, the most common reasons someone may be excused from jury service, and how many people complete jury service in one day.    Juror e-Payment Platform: Courts are now able to offer an electronic payment option for jurors to receive their per diem payment. A per diem payment is the daily compensation a person receives for jury service. For electronic payments, courts do not need to collect a juror's financial information and payments can be received in as soon as one day. Jurors only need a U.S. phone number to sign up.  Additional Improvements to Jury Service Over the Years These are a few more ways California courts have made the civic right and obligation of jury service more convenient for its citizens: One Day or One Trial Jury Service: If a person is not chosen for a jury panel after one day of service at a courthouse, their service is completed for at least one year. If a person is selected to serve on a jury, their service is completed for at least a year or longer after the trial is over.    Plain Language Jury Instructions: Civil and criminal jury instructions use plain language, or language that is understandable to jurors, to accurately explain the law.    Jury Portals: Courts continue to improve their online jury portals where individuals can check dates of service, request postponements and excusals, and sign up for reminders. Additional features include the ability to contact jury department staff with concerns, get information about court procedures, and obtain proof of jury service for employers. Additional Resources to Learn About Jury Service Jury Handbook  Information about how to respond to your juror summons  Guide to jury deliberations Guide to coping with jury service stress  Information for employers on the benefits of continuing to pay employees during their jury service  Learn more about jury service.  https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/california-judicial-branch-dedicates-new-sacramento-courthouse California Judicial Branch Dedicates New Sacramento CourthouseCorren, Blaine Tue, 05/05/2026 - 15:25 Feature SACRAMENTO—State and local officials, local judges and court staff, and California Supreme Court justices gathered last month to help commemorate the completion of the new Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye Sacramento County Courthouse. Full-size photos and captions from the dedication ceremony can also be seen on Flickr Courthouse Named After Retired Chief Justice With Sacramento Roots The courthouse dedication ceremony featured remarks from Presiding Judge Lawrence G. Brown, Court Executive Officer Kelly Sullivan, Administrative Presiding Justice Brad Hill, and Judicial Council Administrative Director Shelley Curran. The speakers praised the new building and its ability to better serve the residents of Sacramento County. They also praised one specific Sacramento County resident for which the new courthouse is named in honor of: Former California Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye. Prior to serving as the first woman of color and the second female chief justice of California (2011-2023), Cantil-Sakauye served on the bench of the Sacramento Superior Court and the Sacramento-based Court of Appeal, Third Appellate District. Speakers called Cantil-Sakauye “a giant and pioneer in the Sacramento and statewide legal community,” helping to define what it means to be a thoughtful, accountable, and courageous leader of the judicial branch. Video about the need for and history of the new Sacramento courthouse project New Courthouse Improves Services to the Public Officially opened for business to the public in April, the courthouse provides a new 18-story, 53-courtroom courthouse of approximately 540,000 square feet in downtown Sacramento. The new building improves operational efficiency, access to justice, and overall public service through the consolidation of court operations and calendars, elimination of current space shortfall, increased security, and replacement of inadequate and obsolete facilities, including the existing Gordon D. Schaber Sacramento County Courthouse. The Building Is Energy EfficientThe new Sacramento courthouse is built to LEED Silver status, as designated by the U.S. Green Building Council. This is a third-party certification program and the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction, and operation of high-performance “green” buildings. The courthouse’s sustainability features include drought-tolerant landscaping, water-efficient irrigation and plumbing systems, and energy-efficient lighting. Courthouse Recognizes Indigenous HeritageThe new courthouse resides on land that has long been the ancestral territory of the Valley Nisenan, Southern Maidu, and Plains Miwok peoples. These Indigenous communities have served as stewards of this region since time immemorial, caring for and nurturing the land long before the establishment of the present-day court. Plaques around the perimeter of property embedded in some of the architectural landscaping features pay tribute to this history. During the dedication ceremony, Presiding Judge Brown and Raquel Williams (Wilton Rancheria) recognized the contributions and history of the area’s indigenous peoples and read an official land acknowledgement. Statewide Court Facilities Program The Judicial Council supports the court facilities of California's Supreme Court, Courts of Appeal, and trial courts by providing a broad range of services. These include facility planning, design and construction, facility operations management, environmental compliance and sustainability, real estate services and asset management, and emergency planning and security coordination. Since the state judicial branch took over responsibility for courthouses in 2002, the judicial branch has completed 38 new courthouse projects and another 15 projects are underway and in various stages. Learn more about the state’s courthouse construction projects https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/publicservice-2026 Chief Justice, Judicial Council Honor Public Servants of California's Judicial BranchKaren.Datangel Mon, 05/04/2026 - 11:22 News Release Chief Justice of California Patricia Guerrero and the Judicial Council of California today mark their fourth annual celebration of Public Service Recognition Week. Said Chief Justice Guerrero: "As we mark the Judicial Council's one hundredth year, we honor those who built and who sustain this constitutional entity, and a judiciary that continues to evolve with the people it serves. As the third branch of government, our commitment remains firm to serve all Californians and uphold the rule of law as a cornerstone of our democracy. I am grateful to the more than 20,000 public servants across our state’s judicial branch who dedicate themselves to these principles every day." Public Service Recognition Week is celebrated annually during the first week of May to honor the people who serve our nation as federal, state, county, local, and tribal government employees. Videos produced by the Judicial Council highlight six of California's dedicated public servants, who speak about why they choose to serve in the judicial branch and with the council. JUDGE BUNMI AWONIYI Judge at the Sacramento Superior Court and council member:   JAYME LEE Associate analyst in the council’s Leadership Support Services office supporting various high-level projects: JAKE CHATTERS Court executive officer at the Placer Superior Court and chair of the council’s Data Analytics Advisory Committee: JAGAN SINGH Deputy director in the council's Facilities Services office, overseeing courthouse construction and modernization projects: JUDGE JUDITH DULCICH Judge at the Kern Superior Court and council member:   MARTHA WRIGHT Manager in the council's Criminal Justice Services office supporting collaborative justice courts, traffic fines and fees, and pretrial services: View all videos on YouTube, including the "We Choose to Serve..." montage. About the Judicial Council of California The Judicial Council is the policymaking body of the California courts, the largest court system in the nation. Under the leadership of the Chief Justice and in accordance with the California Constitution, the council is responsible for ensuring the consistent, independent, impartial, and accessible administration of justice. https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/legal-history-asian-american-pacific-islander-experience-california Legal History of Asian American Pacific Islander Experience in CaliforniaKaren.Datangel Fri, 05/01/2026 - 15:12 Feature The state judicial branch's strategic plan includes the goal of Access, Fairness, Diversity, and Inclusion, where "The makeup of California’s judicial branch will reflect the diversity of the state’s residents." According to the Judicial Council’s latest annual judicial demographics report, the number of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders has slowly increased over the last 18 years. As of Dec. 31, 2025, Asian Americans made up 11.9% of judges in California, compared to 4.4% in 2006, while Pacific Islanders made up 0.2% of judges in California, compared to 0.1% in 2006.  Since taking office in 2019 through 2025, Governor Gavin Newsom made 576 judicial appointments – including 131 in 2024 – from a pool of 1,898 applicants. Of those appointments, 17.3% identify as Asian and 0.8% identify as Pacific Islander. This May, California courts and the Judicial Council of California join the nation in recognizing Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month. If you are not able to view the timeline below, click here. This feature was originally published on May 2, 2024. https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/chief-justice-guerrero-announces-2026-civic-learning-award-honorees Chief Justice Guerrero Announces 2026 Civic Learning Award HonoreesMartin.Novitski Fri, 05/01/2026 - 12:05 News Release SACRAMENTO—Today, Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero announced the recipients of the 2026 Civic Learning Awards, the state’s highest honor recognizing K–12 schools for outstanding achievement in civic education. “These schools show what’s possible when school administrators, teachers, and students work together to make civic engagement a core part of the educational experience,” said Chief Justice Guerrero. One elementary school, one middle school, and one high school received the Civic Learning Award of Excellence, highlighting their exceptional programs that empower students to engage meaningfully in their communities and develop lifelong civic skills. This year’s Awards of Excellence: Natomas Pacific Pathways Prep Elementary School (Sacramento, Sacramento County) South Junior High School (Anaheim, Orange County) Norwalk High School (Norwalk, Los Angeles County) The following schools were recognized with the Award of Distinction: Wittmann Elementary School (Cerritos, Los Angeles County) Rancho Viejo Middle School (Hemet, Riverside County) Pacific High School (San Bernardino, San Bernardino County) The following schools were recognized with the Award of Merit: Tarpey Elementary School (Clovis, Fresno County) Wangenheim Middle School (San Diego, San Diego County)  Yerba Buena High School (San Jose, Santa Clara County) The following schools were recognized with Awards of Honorable Mentions: Northgate High School, Contra Costa County Garfield Elementary School, Fresno County Dry Creek Elementary, Fresno County Red Bank Elementary, Fresno County Woods Elementary School, Fresno County Pantera Elementary School, Los Angeles County Mountain View Elementary School, Los Angeles County Claremont High School, Los Angeles County Loara High School, Orange County Portola High School, Orange County Cambridge Virtual Academy, Orange County Walker Junior High, Orange County Corona Ranch, Riverside County Youth Leadership Academy, Sacramento County Ida Jew Academy and Valle Vista Elementary (IJAVVE), Santa Clara County August Boeger Middle School (Community School), Santa Clara County Natomas Pacific Pathways Prep's middle and high school were honored with an emeritus award in recognition of its continued excellence in civic engagement. Launched in 2013, the award celebrates schools that make space for high‑quality civic learning and engagement. For the first time in several years, the 2026 program asked schools to submit details for how other schools could replicate their top programs. A total of 112 programs were submitted by elementary, middle, and high school educators. Judges from California courts will present the awards in person this September as part of the judicial branch’s Constitution Month commemoration. Chief Justice Guerrero will continue her tradition of visiting schools earning the top Award of Excellence. Judges from the courts of appeal and the superior courts visit honorees in their jurisdictions for the other award categories. For a complete list of the 2026 honorees, visit powerofdemocracy.org/civic-learning-award. About the Civic Learning Awards The Civic Learning Awards program is co‑sponsored by the Chief Justice of California and the State Superintendent of Public Instruction. The award recognizes schools that embed civic learning into schoolwide practices, including classroom instruction, student-led projects, service learning, and opportunities to take informed action. More information is available at powerofdemocracy.org/civic-learning-award. See the full album on the California Courts Flickr. See the full video playlist on the California Courts YouTube. https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/judicial-council-approves-mandatory-reporting-civil-arrests-court-facilities Judicial Council Approves Mandatory Reporting of Civil Arrests in Court FacilitiesCorren, Blaine Fri, 04/24/2026 - 12:44 News Release VIA WEB CONFERENCE—Judicial Council members approved a new rule at their April 24 business meeting that requires courts to report civil arrests—such as those related to federal immigration enforcement actions—that happen in superior court facilities. The new rule aims to help the judicial branch better understand the impacts civil arrests in court facilities have on courts and access to justice and assist the branch in responding to court or community concerns. Sharif Elmallah, court executive officer for the Butte Superior Court, told council members about an incident at the Oroville courthouse where federal agents conducted a day-long enforcement operation and took several people into custody. “When people avoid court facilities out of fear, the court system cannot serve them and cannot function as intended,” said Elmallah, who also serves as co-chair of the council’s Trial Court Presiding Judges Advisory Committee and Court Executives Advisory Committee Joint Rules Subcommittee. “That affects the victim seeking protection under the law, witnesses whose testimony may be critical for parties to present their cases, and litigants who depend on their participation.” The new rule says reports should include, if known, the location of the arrest at the court facility, the law enforcement agency that conducted the arrest, whether any individuals were taken into custody, and if the arresting officer presented a judicial warrant. “The goal of rule 10.440 is data collection,” said Judge Scott R. L. Young, co-chair of the council’s Trial Court Presiding Judges Advisory Committee and Court Executives Advisory Committee Joint Rules Subcommittee. “The Judicial Council can and should understand where, and how, civil arrest activity occurs.” The rule goes into effect May 1, and courts will start reporting the information on civil arrests in court facilities to the council in June. The council expects to start posting the information on a publicly available dashboard in July. Watch video of this agenda item Other Items on Council Meeting Agenda: Representation for Children and Families in Dependency Proceedings: The council approved redistributions of court-appointed juvenile dependency counsel funds for fiscal year 2025-26. The allocations promote equitable distribution of resources and support effective representation for children and families in dependency proceedings. After the initial proposal for allocating the unspent dependency counsel funding was submitted to the council, another court identified $150,000 for reallocation. A revised council report will reflect the updated amount of available unspent dependency counsel funding, which increases from $980,773 to $1,130,773. Watch video of this agenda item Appointment of Counsel in Capital Cases: The council received a report from the 2025 Proposition 66 Counsel Working Group, which examined the appointment of attorneys for petitioners in capital habeas corpus proceedings in both the superior courts and the Courts of Appeal. The report provides strategies judicial branch entities could use to recruit and appoint counsel for petitioners in such proceedings, which includes advocating for appellate counsel funding and reactivating regional committees to assist superior courts in their efforts to recruit attorneys to take these cases. Watch video of this agenda item California Access to Justice Commission: The council heard a presentation from the California Access to Justice Commission on how for 30 years it has supported courts, the bar, and justice system stakeholders with research, reports, and support for the expansion of access to justice through legal services, self-help centers, navigators and small claims advisors, remote court services and proceedings, language assistance, libraries, and other community agencies and services. In addition, the council appointed Sacramento County Judge Andi Mudryk to one of the three positions on the commission appointed by the council. Watch video of this agenda item Gender Inclusivity of Juror Identification and Juror Questionnaires: The council adopted a new standard of judicial administration to ensure gender inclusivity in juror identification and juror questionnaires per Assembly Bill 1899 (2024). The council also approved changes to existing rules of court, forms, and standards to ensure language directed to jurors is gender inclusive. Report on Pretrial Programs: The council received the latest report on court pretrial programs and practices that promote safe, efficient, fair, and timely pretrial release of individuals booked into jail. The report includes data on bookings, release types, assessments conducted, the use of monitoring and supportive services, and case closure outcomes. The complete meeting agenda and council reports are posted to the California Courts Meeting Information Center—an archived webcast of today’s meeting will be posted to the center as soon as it is available.